Where Chefs Eat: An East Gippsland Restaurant Hit List From Sardine Chef Mark Briggs

Before he moved to Paynesville in 2017, Mark Briggs worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in his native UK, then came to Melbourne, where he served as head chef at Vue de Monde. He now runs Sardine Eatery & Bar, a bistro that champions produce from East Gippsland, especially its namesake fish, sourced from nearby Lakes Entrance.

Briggs is a frequent source of intel for diners passing through on longer coastal hauls. So we caught up with the chef to find out where he recommends East Gippsland road-trippers stop on their journey.

Favourite bakery
“The Nicho Store has incredible pies! This is on the way to Lakes Entrance, so we always stop on the way back from picking up fresh sardines.”

Go-to breakfast spot
“The General at Lake Tyres Beach. I love the relaxed vibe. There’s lunch as well, but it’s known for breakfast and coffee. The smashed avo is so good.”

Takeaway you can eat by the water
“Big Bears Donuts. These are decadent and delicious! Big Bear started with a food van in the park and now has a permanent spot on the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance. But you’ll often see the van out and about, too. The team always has exciting new flavours. The Mint Aero I had recently was fantastic”.

Best coffee
“Badger & Hare cafe in Stratford.”

Best place for a casual dinner
“The Grand Terminus in Bairnsdale. The menu offers something for everyone, and the venue is warm and inviting. I love a pint and a steak at the pub on a day off. It’s always the scotch fillet for me.”

Special occasion spot
“Messmates is a fantastic spot for a quick wine and a snack at the bar (or you can stay for the chef’s menu). You will often find Gippsland’s finest winemakers stopping by for a tipple at the bar, too.”

Most underrated restaurant
“Cinnamon Thai in Bairnsdale. We often get takeaway, but dining in the courtyard is lovely, too. Don’t go past the ginger stir-fry and the panang curry.”

Best place to go with kids
“Grab fish’n’chips, jump on the ferry and take the kids over to Raymond Island to see the koalas and kangaroos.”

Date spot
“Sardine is the place for this. Or you can go to Hogget Kitchen. It’s set amongst the vines and is a perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch. Choose one of the set menus, sit back, relax and enjoy the view.”

Best ice-cream or gelato shop
“Vanilla bean ice-cream from The Long Paddock in Lindenow or Tim Tam ice-cream from The Local in Metung.”

Best place with a view
“The Metung Hotel has stunning views and is right on the water. Perfect for a drink whilst you watch the boats come and go.”